Forgotten Celt Hayato Inamura seals switch to Tokyo FC

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·5 January 2026

Forgotten Celt Hayato Inamura seals switch to Tokyo FC

Celtic have officially sanctioned a loan move for Hayato Inamura, with the defender returning to Japan after agreeing a switch to FC Tokyo until the end of the season…

Hayato Inamura of Celtic Cork City v Celtic, Pre Season Friendly, SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork, Ireland – 08 Jul 2025Cork SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh Ireland. Photo Lorraine O’Sullivan Shutterstock

The 23-year-old found opportunities limited in Glasgow, registering one senior outing since his arrival from Albirex Niigata in the summer, the J1 League club where he began his professional career in 2024.

OneFootball Videos

Inamura will now bolster an FC Tokyo squad preparing for the 2026 season, having ended the previous domestic campaign in 11th place. The move also marks a homecoming of sorts, with Inamura having previously spent two years in Tokyo’s youth setup before leaving the club in 2017.

Hayato Inamura of Celtic FC in action during Como Cup match played between Al-Ahli and Celtic FCat Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Inamura spoke to Tokyo club media and outlined the thinking behind the switch, saying: “Good evening, FC Tokyo fans and supporters. I decided to join this club after thinking about what I need to achieve my goals.

“I will do my best to absorb various things from great players, both as a soccer player and as a person, and to perform well.

“When I was a member of U-15 Fukagawa, these words, ‘strong and loved,’ were always the image of the players and team we aimed to be. We are still far from that, but I will accept my own weaknesses and the disappointment of last year, gain various experiences, and do my best to become that kind of player. I appreciate your support.”

Hayato Inamura of Celtic Cork City v Celtic, Pre Season Friendly, Football, SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork, Ireland – 08 July 2025 Cork SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh Ireland Photo Lorraine O’Sullivan/Shutterstock

Despite performing well in a 3-0 victory over Livingston back in August at Celtic Park, Inamura has not been called upon since, remaining unused under both caretaker manager Martin O’Neill and current Hoops boss Wilfried Nancy.

Shin Yamada & Hayato Inamura of Celtic step off the team bus at Celtic Park. Celtic v Livingston, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 23 August 2025. Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

Game time has also been limited for fellow Japanese arrival Shin Yamada following his summer switch, although he has made brief substitute outings in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate continue their spells at the club after signing in 2021 under Ange Postecoglou. It would not be a surprise if both were to leave this month or in the summer.

Conor Spence